บท 278: Chapter 278: The Awaited Confrontations

Tsuna observed Ogiwara and Haizaki with a thoughtful gaze, noting the visible strain on their faces under Akashi's overwhelming presence. Sensing the tension in the air, he turned his attention to Mochizuki, seeking insights.

"Have you learned anything?"

Tsuna's inquiry cut through the quiet intensity, drawing the focus of everyone in the room towards Mochizuki.

In response, Mochizuki offered a reassuring smile and a nod.

"Yes, though I may not match Ishida's speed, I've discerned Mibuchi's shooting patterns," he explained, his tone confident.

"Even if he manages to get a hold of the ball, I'm confident I can anticipate his next move."

Ishida relied heavily on his agility and swift movements, effectively neutralizing Mibuchi's ability to access the ball, leaving him stranded and unable to contribute to Rakuzan High's offense.

However, Akashi's relentless assault on their defense left Fukuda Sogo with limited options.

With only Tsuna capable of potentially thwarting Akashi's advances, the rest of the team found themselves compelled to abandon their defensive assignments to confront Akashi, unwittingly creating vulnerabilities for him to exploit.

And Tsuna was burdened with the responsibility of covering for multiple players, remained anchored in his position. He was unable to afford to leave his post unguarded.

Recognizing this tactical dilemma, Tsuna made a decisive call.

"Good," he declared, addressing Mochizuki, "Then it's time for you to step up."

Mochizuki nodded in agreement, signaling his readiness to carry out Tsuna's plan. Tsuna then turned to Haizaki and Ogiwara, explaining his strategy to them.

"You two can return to your usual positions," Tsuna instructed firmly. "I'll handle Akashi alone in the next quarter."

Recognizing the importance of neutralizing Akashi's impact on their defense, Tsuna was also mindful of the need for backup plans if Akashi managed to outmaneuver them.

Observing Tsuna's decision, Nijimura rubbed his chin thoughtfully before nodding in understanding, acknowledging the necessity of Tsuna's tactical adjustments.

"This is indeed the best way we should respond, beside..." He muttered softly to himself, his gaze flicking to the scoreboard momentarily.

"We should completely shut them down from catching up since..."

"...simply winning wasn't enough," Nijimura remarked with a wide grin, noticing the determination in Tsuna's eyes as they locked onto the game ahead.

Alexandra watched the scene unfold with a small smile gracing her lips, content to simply observe without needing to intervene.

"...Hmm?"

However, her expression quickly soured as she glanced back at her phone, muttering under her breath, "...Damn it, I lost again."

"..."

Tsuna overheard her muttered frustration but chose to disregard it, knowing she probably lost gambling her money away online.

With a resigned sigh, he turned his attention to the Fukuda Sogo team, addressing them with determination, "Alright, let's refocus and get back in the game..."

"Understood, Captain!"

The team responded in unison, their voices blending with the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd as they geared up for the start of the second quarter.

"..."

As the players from both teams took their positions on the court, a tense silence enveloped the gymnasium.

Akashi's gaze bore into Tsuna's with unwavering intensity as his teammate passed the ball to him, signaling the resumption of the game.

With Fukuda Sogo's defense momentarily faltering, Rakuzan seized the opportunity to increase their aggression, aiming to narrow the score gap.

Immediately, as soon as Akashi gained possession of the ball, he wasted no time and swiftly dribbling it forward with purpose.

In sync with their captain's decisive move, the rest of the Rakuzan High team sprang into action, advancing forward with determination etched on their faces. Each player moved with calculated precision, ready to execute their strategy and turn the tide of the game in their favor.

Despite the palpable pressure bearing down on them and the relentless movements of their opponents, Fukuda Sogo's players remained composed with their expressions unwavering.

Upon closer inspection, one could discern a glint of unwavering confidence in their eyes, a silent declaration of their readiness to face any challenge head-on.

"Looks like it's starting," Kagami murmured, his gaze fixed on the unfolding events on the court.

The rest of the Seirin team watched intently, their faces etched with seriousness as they immersed themselves in analyzing the evolving situation.

On Shutoku's side, Midorima adjusted his glasses with precision, a subtle indication of his focused demeanor. Takao's voice broke the silence, injecting a note of excitement, "Whoa, things are heating up..."

Midorima's disapproving expression was evident as he muttered under his breath, "Idiot."

Takao, unfazed, retorted, "Huh? Weren't you the most excited about this, Shin?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Midorima responded coolly, though Takao could detect a hint of amusement in the slight curl of Midorima's lips.

"Tch, such a tsundere," Takao muttered, a touch of exasperation in his tone.

"..."

Midorima chose to ignore the comment, maintaining his focus on the court ahead, while the others chuckled softly.

With unwavering attention, Midorima watched as Tsuna approached Akashi on the court, his gaze fixed and intent.

At long last, the highly anticipated showdown between the two formidable rivals, eagerly awaited by all, was about to commence.

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, each spectator on the edge of their seat.

"Hmm?" Akashi's eyes widened imperceptibly in surprise as he broke the silence, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.

"Finally decided to face me, huh?"

Tsuna met Akashi's gaze with a steady, contemplative expression, feeling a mix of speehclessness and disbelief at Akashi's words directed to him.

"...I don't know where you got the idea that I was avoiding you, but be prepared to back up your words, Seijuro," Tsuna's voice remained composed as he addressed the misunderstanding.

Akashi maintained his silence, his expression unchanged, a silent testament to his resolve.

Without hesitation, he accelerated his dribble, prompting Tsuna to match his movements as they engaged in a riveting exchange across the court.

Their intense duel drew tense expressions from both teams, each player observing the confrontation with unwavering focus, ready to react at a moment's notice.

As they traversed the court, Akashi's eyes flickered with radiant rings, a telltale sign that he was employing his Emperor Eyes to analyze Tsuna's movements and pinpoint any vulnerability in his footwork, aiming to exploit it and potentially use it to bring him down.

"It's time for you to learn your place, Tsunayoshi," Akashi declared, his eyes gleaming even brighter with the full force of his Emperor Eyes, exuding an aura of dominance and determination as he sought to assert his superiority in their duel.

In response, Tsuna simply smirked, unfazed by Akashi's proclamation.

"Keep barking, Seijuro..." he retorted, his tone laced with confidence and a hint of amusement.